James Sowole in Akure
The Ijaw-Apoi nation in Ese-Odo Local Government Area of Ondo State at the weekend alerted the federal government of the brewing crisis between the ethnic nationality and the Binis in Edo State.
The alarm was raised at a news conference addressed at Sabomi, Ondo State, by the Ijaw-Apoi Traditional Council under the paramountcy of Kalasuwe, Oba of the Ijaw confederation and other traditional rulers.
Addressing journalists, the Toboidoi of lgbekebo, High Chief Segun Dabo, said the event became imperative in view of the maginalisation of the Okomu-Apoi people by the Binis in Edo State irrespective of the age long autonomous status of the people.
According to Dabo, the Ijaw communities of Okomu Kingdom in Ovia South Local Government Area of Edo State had been victims of marginalisation by their Bini neighbours over the years and even been denied the right to rule themselves.
Dabo, who traced the history of the Okomu -Apoi people to the precolonial days, said the community is a kingdom of immemorial existence as part of the Ijaw Niger Delta ethnic nationality and not subject or subordinate to any other traditional authority including the Bini kingdom and its monarchy.
Details later…
